The Rise of Gladstone to the Leadership of the Liberal Party
1859 to 1868

Originally published in 1934, this book provides a concise examination of a crucial time in William Gladstone's political career. The text was based upon close examination of Gladstone's papers for the period 1859 to 1869 and these papers are quoted extensively throughout. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in Gladstone and British political history.

Preface; 1. Introduction. The problem. Authorities; 2. Estimates of Gladstone, 1860–8; 3. The commercial treaty with France, 1859–60. Letters from Cobden to Gladstone; 4. The budget of 1860: the struggle for economy in the cabinet and in parliament. Repeal of the paper duty: armaments; Note to chap. 4. Gladstone's estimate of 1859–60; 5. Cobden's influence on Gladstone: letters, 1860–3; 6. The movement for parliamentary reform, 1860–4; 7. The death of Palmerston and its effects; 8. The reform bills of 1866 and 1867; 9. The resolutions on the Irish church and the general election of 1868; 10. Conclusion: Gladstone's development, 1859–68; Appendix. A list of the letters printed from the Gladstone papers; Index.